January 6 “Shaman” Jake Angeli Launches Arizona Gubernatorial Bid, Denounces Trump
A striking figure from the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault has announced a run for governor of Arizona and sharply criticized former President Donald Trump, marking a dramatic political shift. Jacob Chansley, widely known as the “shaman” for his distinctive appearance during the riot, intends to run as an independent candidate, challenging the political establishment he now views as corrupt.
Chansley, whose legal name is Jake Angeli, gained notoriety for his appearance at the Capitol with a face painted in red, white, and blue and a fur hat adorned with black bison horns. Despite receiving a pardon for his role in the January 6th events five years ago, he now describes the Trump administration as “a corrupt disaster,” accusing the former president of abandoning the core tenets of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
According to reports, Angeli’s disillusionment stems from a perceived betrayal of the anti-interventionist and anti-system promises that initially drew him to Trump. During his trial, he expressed remorse for his actions, while his attorney, Albert Watkins, revealed that Angeli had struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. Watkins previously described Angeli’s affection for Trump as “not unlike the first love a man may feel for a woman,” stating that “Trump was like his first love.”
However, Angeli now believes the system is “at war” with the population, favoring a “super-rich elite.” He explained his decision to run for governor to The Times of London, outlining a platform focused on challenging this perceived imbalance of power.
This transformation represents a significant turn for a figure once emblematic of Trump’s most ardent supporters. Angeli’s entry into the Arizona gubernatorial race adds an unexpected and potentially disruptive element to the political landscape, raising questions about the future of the MAGA movement and the enduring influence of its former leader.
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